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"From ragged beginnings"

Norman's early days were not happy. He was beaten by his drunken father, abandoned by his mother who left him to fend for himself along with his brother.

His journey to film comic success followed an early career as delivery boy, waiter and pageboy; jobs that undoubtedly contributed to his roles as the hapless loser who somehow always managed to save the day.

Norman served in the British army in India where he learned to play the trumpet.

He was also a keen boxer and earning a living from fairgrounds.

His first headlining film Trouble in Store in 1953 proved a record-breaking hit and Norman received a BAFTA as Best Newcomer.

It was the first in a series of runaway successes.

87 years old, but more films planned

Norman's unique brand of 'knockabout' humour earned him a knighthood in 2000; two years before he appeared in BBC1's Casualty playing a 'straight role' in the drama.

In February of this year, he was given the Bernard Delfont Award for Outstanding Contribution to Show business at the Royal Variety Club Showbiz Awards.

Norman is determined to go on. The man known as 'Pitkin' in Albania, was the only western comic allowed by communist authorities there. His enduring brand of humour has seen kept millions laughing for more than five decades.